Chapter 11: The Time After
"Moving on doesn't mean you forget about things. It just means you have to accept what's happened and continue living." - Erza Scarlet
Rangiku Matsumoto let out a small sigh as she made her steady way towards the first division. While she had long adjusted to the gruesome task of having dealing with the responsibilities of two leading positions, and while she did get help from at least three of the captain class, she never could quite shake the difference in atmosphere as one went from a Lieutenant meeting to a Captain's one.
The Lieutenants of the Gotei were like one big friend circle. Close people who could laugh and joke, share stories of their superiors, and count on their fellows for aid whenever required. Their meetings consisted of a nice mix of smiles and seriousness, nonsensical to practical, especially with the diverse crowd that had the lead. It made sense, they supposed. A large portion of the lieutenants were involved in things besides their jobs, in which they often interacted on a personal level. Things such as drinking parties, the Shinigami Women's and Men's Associations(and their distinct rivalry) as well as the press all acted under majorly lieutenants with the occasional captain joining in for the heck of it. Perhaps it came from their all being generally young in physical appearance(with the exception of Chojiro Sasakibe. Though they try not to mention that.) They each had personal bonds and comfort, their own personality, something which Matsumoto realized was such a stark change from the average Captain's meeting.
The Captains, in contrast to their subordinates, were very secluded. Each did whatever they please individually, trying to stay out of the other's business, though there were notable exceptions such as Shunsui Kyouraku and Juushiro Ukitake who were as close as they come. Each was so enshrouded in that clouding sense of responsibility just as much as their body was covered by the billowing white Haori on which their squad's emblem stood at the back. They seemed so much older in comparison, serious, and even those who remained jovial had a certain air to them that screamed "nurturing superior" rather than "good friend." Walking into the Captain's meeting hall was to walk through large doors of duty, becoming enveloped in sheer power from all sides and realizing how formidable everyone in the room truly were formal, each in perfect rows with heads down and faces solemn, no words were said as they waited for the Head Captain to appear in all his glory to go on and on for hours about policy, responsibility, training, and other such things for hours on end. The most active things got there was the periodic squabble usually started by Mayuri Kurotsuchi or Kenpachi Zaraki, which would turn into a mumbled rush of opinions to be silenced by a loud thump of wood on floor. Rangiku had realized just how oppressing it seemed for her own captain when she walked in for the first time, and still felt uncomfortable sticking out so much in her own haori-less fashion.
It sometimes felt as if they were sizing her up for battle.
Though, she supposed they had become the only thing she looked forward to in the last month. The now weekly communications with her little captain were the very thing that kept her working hard, excitement and relief filling every pore of her body. It was considered classified information for the time being- only available to the captain class plus Rangiku- and so this was the only time she felt she could let her solace become apparent. It was for this reason now that she made her usual entrance into the First Division with high spirits(as high as they could be. Being the fun loving person she was, meetings were utterly boring and dry.) and took her usual spot by Kyouraku. The meeting droned on as usual, Yammamoto going on about attacks and policy, most had zones out until the part they were actually interested in which came close to the end, an hour into the meeting.
"Kurotsuchi, your report?" the man said, watching as the scientist took his now very familiar spot in the center of the hall.
"I have found an entrance to one of the new dimensions." He stated, causing mutters and conversation to erupt almost immediately.
"Already?"
"Seems too good to be true..."
"Impressive, I have to say."
"It's been a little over a month, and you've already found an entrance? This seems very convenient." Soi Fon said, voice cutting through the conversation as all turned to hear the answer, eyes keening in a sharp glare at the scientist. As the head of the spy division, none were too surprised at the comment, but Kurotsuchi simply leered.
"This entrance has always been close to discovery, just a smidgen out of our reach, and now the gap has been closed with our increased focus on efforts to do so. All we needed was the right probes in the right places with the right amount of power. A simple task for those with the right mind to do so. However, this dimension we have found doesn't seem to be the one we have been looking for, according to the borderlines we have been given by the captain."
Kensei's eyes furrowed at this, arms crossed in front of his chest. "So we're not even in the right dimension? I don't see why this would help us if it isn't even the one we're seeking."
"If you would let me finish speaking, you would know it is possible for us to connect from this dimension into the one where the captain resides. The one we are about to enter is much more like the world of the living, you see. However, to do proper reconnaissance… I'm afraid it will require a living being. They don't have nearly as much reishi, there is a high probability we will not be visible to the residents." Kurotsuchi said, giving a pointed glare to the group indicating what he was suggesting. "Gigais would be far too risky."
Ukitake let a stern look cross his face at the implication. "Please don't tell me that you're suggesting getting him involved?"
The scientist gave a cruel grin. "I am. I have contacted Kisuke Urahara to make the proper preparations. We will send the Substitute Soul Reaper along with one of our own to ensure the job gets done."
"I don't know about this. He doesn't even know what's going on yet, and hasn't cooperated with us for quite some time." Shinji added, cocking a head to the side as he spoke.
There was an irritated "tut" at this. "Then he will have to find out, won't he? According to our source, these people have high fighting prowess. He is the only human on our side who can effectively get to where he needs to without being a nuisance."
"We will need to send someone with him. I don't trust him to go alone." Captain Kuchiki said blandly. "Preferably someone who already has the full knowledge of the situation." In other words, one of the officials in the room currently.
"I agree with him." Kyouraku added. "It'll be a pain, but we need to send someone from here. We have a bridge set up, so we should be able to come and go at a reasonable time in case of an attack. But we need a volunteer…" he said, trailing off to look around the room. Soi Fon, Unohana, and Kurotsuchi were all out of the question as they had their own separate division to attend to. Zaraki wouldn't be wise due to his most likely not paying any attention and having reckless tendencies. Ukitake would also be a bad move due to his sickness growing worse as of late.
Zaraki stepped forward. "I'll do it! If there are powerhouses there then that means I can fight 'em, eh?"
"No, you'll make things worse." Kuchiki said immediately.
"That's a load of garbage! I can't miss out on this!"
Yammamoto let the thud of his cane on the floor be heard. "Captain Zaraki. As the head of the main combat division, you will be required to keep your ground in Soul Society. No further arguments."
Despite this, it still took a large rise in reiatsu for the ma to back down, grumbling about old men and lost opportunities.
There was silence in the room as the problem at hand made itself clear. Finally, she spoke.
"Let me go!" Rangiku Matsumoto said, stepping forward ever so slightly to make herself known. It was no surprise she would volunteer, in fact, some were surprised how long it took for the woman to speak. It was a widely known fact how she doted on her captain. All the same, it posed an issue.
"Is that really a good idea? If you leave squad ten will be leaderless." Mugurama said, arms still crossed.
"It'll manage fine under the third seat. He's more than capable." she turned to the head captain. "Head captain, please! I know the most about captain, and am the most familiar with his reiatsu. I won't rest until he is found, and the only other capable of this is Lieutenant Hinamori who's...well..." She trailed off. Momo Hinamori had been seemingly permanently affected by the events of the war effort. Once recovering from her comatose state, her mind had deteriorated at the shock of everything that had happened, only being added to when informed of the tenth division captain's declared death. Her mental state had been considered less than stable, and had been banned from any duties beyond paperwork.
The other commanders pondered this.
"She has a point…"
"But again, what about the tenth? I don't know if keeping it running with a third seat will work. Especially if we're attacked."
"Can she handle it?"
Yammamoto thought on this, before making a decision and speaking. "That will be handled. Lieutenant Matsumoto, you will be allowed to company Substitute Soul Reaper Ichigo Kurosaki to the new dimension, only once the passage to and fro are secured."
The woman gaped for a moment, surprised at the ease in which the man had agreed, before kneeling. "Thank you, Head Captain."
Kurotsuchi seemed miffed by the choice, but said nothing as he continued. "Very well. The rift will be secure in three days time at the very latest. I have prepared a device for communication altered to adapt for whatever environment you encounter in the new dimension. However, we should leave the gathered reiatsu in Soul Society so it doesn't get contaminated and we do not lose communications should something go awry."
Yammamoto nodded. "We will inform Substitute Soul Reaper Ichigo Kurosaki of the situation. Him and Lieutenant Matsumoto will leave in three days time. Is this all, Kurotsuchi?"
The scientist nodded, stepping back into his position. The meeting went on a few minutes longer as a brief announcement on conduct for subordinates was made before dismissing. The captains left the room in a controlled hurry, each simply using shunpo to make their quick retreat to their designated barracks.
As they walked out, Kyouraku made a point to move next to the scientist. "I didn't think you would spend so much time collaborating, Kurotsuchi. Especially with Urahara of all people."
The man gave him a look suggesting he had said something ignorant in the other's eyes. "I am a scientist. And in such a project which I have instigated it will take very great minds to complete the task. Knowledge is power, you see, and as much as I hate to admit it, there are things that it takes cooperation from both ends to accomplish."
The eighth division commander raised an eyebrow. "Madmen think alike, eh?"
The madman in question positively beamed. "The best researchers are madmen. It's madmen who think in ways that the sane have forgotten, you see."
The Fairy Tail guild hall was brimming with raucous laughter and music, challenges, fights, cheers, and song all in equal measure with the delegation having returned from their mission with victory on their tongues and company in their hands.
They had arrived after a long boat ride of pleasantries, stories of battles and exchanges entertaining the group the entire way.
(It should be noted that two members were conspicuously absent, one curled up in the fetal position on the floor with a loud whine, the other having locked himself away in a cabin room which had ended up thoroughly frozen through by the time the destination was reached.)
When the group had arrived back in the welcoming town of Magonlia, the first stop had been the guild hall filled with friends awaiting their return. Their entrance had been dramatic to say the least, with Natsu kicking the door open with a loud yell of "Yo! Guess who's back?!" which seemed to set up the mood for the rest of the night. The mood was merry as the group was ushered into the center of the commotion, question after question asked and story after story told.
Wendy, who had been beyond nervous ever since leaving the boat and entering Magnolia, had been greeted with avid praise. It only made sense, with her kind and innocent attitude combined with her announcement of being the guild's fourth dragon slayer, which was most certainly a record. Similar to her first appearance back when the alliance first got together, she had been showered with questions and cheers, which the girl had vowed to live up to.
As a result, she had gone to the mission board the very next day, setting the pace for the goings-on of the next month. After being warned by a smiling Mira that it would be better for the girl to travel with a more experienced guild member to get into the swing of things, she had set out to find a job and a partner. At first, she had simply tagged along with Natsu and his escapades.
(He had apparently found a dragon. It turned out to be a ruse, but quite entertaining for those who caught on and watched those who didn't.)
There was a time when she had even accompanied Freed Justine on a mission to assist at a theater, though it had eventually ended in caustic disaster courtesy of a certain Team Natsu. Eventually, however, she had taken back to accompanying Toshiro who had been doing job after job in quick succession, usually taking him to the very borders of Fiore when he wasn't training on the outskirts of town or doing paperwork. No one was quite sure why he worked so hard, but had long grown used to it.
They had fallen into a steady pattern, one that could easily be predicted and accepted by the guild that enjoyed ruckus. Every other day came with something strange, and the abnormal had long become the expected- it was peaceful in its own right.
Toshiro, meanwhile, had been in contact with the Shinigami once a week. Their science division's captain, Kurotsuchi, had wanted to figure out the boundaries of the land he inhabited, and so Toshiro and been taking job after job as long as the extended to the very boundaries of Fiore. The jobs were usually horribly easy, and he could usually finish the within the week, especially when Wendy Marvel had decided to start accompanying him. In exchange for this labor, he continued to learn more about the way the Shinigami operate, absorbing all the information given regarding the structures of Rukongai, the Academy, and the Gotei 13 itself. It turned out that Toshiro's accessory magic was actually very similar to what they called Kido.
Connection and communication had been difficult, what with being limited to yes and no answers, though the one-sided information dump had been yet another nuisance to the prodigy's brain. Going along with Kurotsuchi's theory, it seemed that while he had fully intact memories of the life he had lived in Fiore, Toshiro's soul- the soul of their 10th division captain- also had memories that were surfacing in his brain. However, since the soul is not full, these memories were fragmented and came only when something of a similar nature served as a catalyst. Toshiro had accepted this theory, as it explained his knowledge and interaction with people he had never known even existed.
Toshiro didn't quite know what to think. Of course, he being the supposed reincarnation of a captain, he was told of the situation regarding the war and the many attacks. He knew that if the Gotei succeeded in "putting him back together" as they had eloquently put it, he would be taken from the life he was currently living, put back to work as a captain, and thrust into the war as an enhanced weapon. Not to mention, he had the distinct feeling he remembered being deathly terrified of Kurotsuchi, who would surely want to examine him. He was confused, not sure what he wanted or what he would want when he got his memories and power back.
Power. Toshiro thought he had enough for his liking, but all the same he found himself spending more and more time in the caverns on the outskirts of town. He wanted to rid himself of the time limit that persisted in his final form. He wanted to be rid of it, but perhaps that was exactly why he couldn't be free of it.
And so his time was divided into thirds. A third spent on missions, another on training, and the last on the guild's paperwork. Yes, he still had to deal with the property damages among other things that had circulated from the guilds antics. Toshiro sighed, sitting at the now far-too-familiar desk while staring wistfully at the stacks. It had been just over a month since the Shinigami had communicated with him, and he felt as if no progress had been made in his mental state besides the notable absence of the mocking voice he had yet to understand.
He picked up a paper, raising an eyebrow at the bill that was looking up at him. Property damage, as always. He was in for a long night.
The next morning Toshiro found himself in a rather uncomfortable position on the office desk, woken by the sound of a very similar alarm. His mind went on full alert, as he stood up and rushed out of the room weapon in hand, ready to head over to his station next to the North gate, preparing to muster the rest of the squ-
No. There was no station to go to, only the door. No one to muster besides himself.
"Oh, Toshiro, welcome to the world of the living!" Macao said jovially, seeming not to care too much about the alarms and the recorded voices saying something that sounded like "Gildarts Shift."
Relaxing at the state of the guild and gathering that there was no threat, the boy put down his sword hand and quirked an eyebrow. "Why, pray tell, are alarms going off as if there is some sort of mass danger?"
"Well, in a manner of speaking, there is." Mira said with a giggle from the bar. At Toshiro's questioning gaze she continued. "As I was just telling the others, Gildarts has a tendency to destroy everything he touches. If he isn't careful he could destroy random pieces of property, so we had to redesign the town so that when he came into it he wouldn't touch anything and could walk into the guild without destroying things."
Toshiro rolled his eyes at this. "He can't control his power." he recalled Gildarts from sets of papers he had seen. The man had apparently taken on a prestigious quest and wasn't supposed to return for a long while, so why was he back?
"But it's so amazing, don't you think?" Wendy asked, hands clasped together and eyes lit up in joy. Honestly, despite being older than Toshiro, she was much more like her age.
Carla sighed. "Amazing indeed. Amazingly stupid."
Just then, the door creaked open, revealing a somewhat haggard man with brown hair and a pronounced stubblee, most of his body covered in a cloak. Toshiro's eyes narrowed at the movements. Injured, probably severely considering the cloak. Judging from the eyes, he's seen some kind of fresh new hell.
Mira rushed forward to greet the man who was "Gildarts."
"Excuse me, miss, I'm looking for the Fairy Tail guild?" he asked, as if he didn't notice the giant sign outside the guild hall or something.
"Yes that's right here! Don't you remember? I'm Mirajane!" she said, smile still firmly in place, not at all bothered by the man's utter lack of awareness to his surroundings.
He cocked his head at this, muttering something before seeing to have a complete attitude change fawning over the girl and beginning to jovially joke with his peers, effectively hiding his haggardly worn appearance. Of course, Natsu tried to attack him, with inevitably terrible results.
Natsu whimpered, before turning to Toshiro, and grinning wickedly. "Gildarts! You know who you should fight? Toshiro!" he said, running straight at the white haired boy whose eyes widened and he quickly moved as far as he possibly could from the fire dragon slayer, saying something about how people kept pitting him against others without his consent and it wasn't appreciated.
"Who? That midget? I can't fight him, his sword is longer than his body!" Gildarts protested, causing Toshiro to twitch slightly and appear behind the man, allowing the temperature in the room to plummet.
"Clive, I know you have been absent due to your mission and consequently are not aware of the new events revolving around the guild, but I will tell you now that I will not stand for being treated as a child."
The man grinned in a feral manner, turning and throwing a punch at the boy, causing protest from all spectators. Toshiro, however, simply blocked the punch with the sheath of his blade. Gildarts laughed, drawing back.
"I like you! What's your name kid? You a re-equipper or something?"
"Toshiro Hitsugaya. Ice Dragon Slayer." He replied, grimacing as a wave of memory threatened to wash over him.
[Toshiro sat in his room, which had been completely void of sound besides the scratching of a pen on paper. He had only a very small amount of forms to do, all of which could be filled out within an hour with leisure. As a ninth seat, he really didn't have much of anything to do besides fill out the basic entry forms for the division. He had no reason to go outside, not to those damned glares. Those people who hated him for his age, his appearance, his power, his intelligence, his existence in general. Those who were upset at his immediate high placing after only a year of study at the six year academy experience. The insults, the mutters, the torments, he could deal with it, sure, but if Toshiro could help it he would avoid it.
These were the thoughts and memories that dwindled in his mind riddled with stones as the pen continued to scratch on the paper, filling out line after line of useless information.
It was only because of the acute silence that his pensive thoughts did not fully distract him when he heard the booming "Gooooood Morniniiiing!" as someone approaching him at high speeds, causing Toshiro to roll to the side and grab his weapon in one fell swoop, landing on his feet, crouched and ready to unsheathe as he stared at his foe.
Just a moment later he heard a large thud, and watched a rather large body hit the desk head first and winced in sympathy.
"Well I'm glad your reflexes are as good as they say…." he muttered, sitting up and rubbing his head with a pout, readjusting his white haori as sheer horror began to settle on Toshiro as he realized who the man was. He hastily relaxed his stance and took to a respectful bow.
"C-Captain Shiba! I'm so sorry!"
"Wh- Relax, kid! I'm not a fan of formalities here." He said waving a hand in dismissal. "I just wanted to see how you were holding up, being the oh-so-special case you are. I haven't seen you out much."
"I have work to do, Captain."
"That's no reason not to enjoy the lovely weather!"
Toshiro shook his head. "With all due respect, Captain, I do very poorly in the heat. Not to mention it would not serve much of anything as I am far from well liked here."
The man seemed to sober a bit at this as he looked at the child in question, as if appraising him. He nodded, muttering "makes sense" before raising his voice and his attitude once more.
"You've only been here for a week, Toshiro. I'm sure that once you prove yourself you'll be fine. This isn't the academy." the man said, serious for a moment before seeming to lose it all over again. He put his hands on the boy's cheeks, grinning. "Besides, you're just so cute and tiny! They have to love you, they just have to!"
Just then there was a frantic knock on the door, at which Toshiro took the opportunity to escape his captain and call for the person to enter.
In the doorway turned out to be the Lieutenant of Squad 10, Rangiku Matsumoto, who was panting in tire as she looked sternly at her captain.
"Captain! I've been looking everywhere for you, what are you doing?"
"I'm just saying hello to our new recruit! Come and say hi!"
She looked at Toshiro and blinked in surprise. Of course she would easily recognize Toshiro as he would recognize her. She was the one who had picked Toshiro off the side of the road and brought her into the Seireitei, after all. She smiled slightly.
"Nice to nice to meet you! I'm Rangiku Matsumoto, your lieutenant."
Toshiro nodded, returning a light smile in turn. "Toshiro Hitsugaya. A pleasure to meet you."
The captain straightened to his full height, pointing a thumb at his chest. "And I'm your captain, Isshin Shiba! Though you should already know that, shouldn't you?"]
"Hey, kid? You listening?" a hand waving in front of his eyes was the wake up call Toshiro received as he was removed from his palace of supposed memories he had never known. Recently, new visions and events had been popping up in his brain, most likely due to his new knowledge of his supposed home world. Nice to know Master Shiba was like that in my old life too. He thought wryly, before looking up at a confused Gildarts and shaking his head.
"My apologies."
"Man, Toshiro, go get some sleep, you crazy night owl!" Jet called, only half genuinely. "That paperwork can wait an hour or two!"
Gildarts cocked a head. "Paperwork?"
"Little Shiro here has been doing all the paperwork for the guild! He's very efficient." Makarov said proudly, hands on his waist as he spoke.
"Don't call me that!" Toshiro snapped, looking at the much smaller man in irritation, causing raucous laughter in the guild.
Gildarts didn't know what to make of what had occurred. Although he had put near minimum power into his punch, judging by stature the brat should have been knocked back like a rag doll, yet the boy stood firmly refusing, blocking the blow with expert swiftness, yet also making sure that it didn't cut. His words were delivered with confidence and composure, completely the opposite of what a child should be.
The again, he was a dragon slayer, but Gildarts had begun to doubt what that even meant anymore. That kind of monster… these brats can't even begin to imagine.
"Gildarts! You wanted to see me, right?" came that fiery voice Gildarts knew so well. Of course, he ad heard the voice back when it had retained innocence and passion, watched it grow. He knew it so well, he couldn't bare to tell him what he knew he had to.
He sighed, grinning in his usual goofy manner as he looked upon his little boy, who had matured into hopefully something more.
How he missed home.
"I wasn't aware that there was such a thing as feline drama in a literal sense." Toshiro muttered, watching as Happy trembled holding out a fish to a clearly disinterested Carla.
"Tell me about it." Lucy scoffed. "Though Carla has been a bit more stoic than usual."
"You think so?" the white haired boy said, raising an eyebrow. "Perhaps she is simply maturing."
"Hey hey hey, I don't think that comment should come from you of all people!" Lucy said, seeming incredulous, ignoring the "and what's that supposed to mean?" that came right after.
"Whatever. I'm going out to train." the ice mage huffed, picking up his sword and pulling the chain over his head.
Lucy gave an apprehensive smile. "Hey are you sure you're okay? You've been training a lot." At this, however, the boy simply nodded.
"I'm fine, Heartfilia. I don't want to get rusty, now do I?"
"But you've been going on so many missions…"
He shrugged, walking to the exit of the guild, thinking back to what Kyouraku had told him. If my fate is going to intertwine with them, then I have to be ready. I'm not going to let these people suffer on account of what burdens I have to overcome. I've already made that mistake at least once.
He sighed, feeling drops of rain hit his face as he made the leisure walk to the caverns of the mountain. He had all night, now that the papers were done.
Meanwhile, the guild had delved into the very depths of mundane as rain pattered against the windows. Many looked wistfully at the windows, trying their utmost to find entertainment in them only to find gray clouds and nothing more.
"Man, is the kid training again? The sky got bad real fast." Macao said, walking into the guild hall soaking wet, wringing out his coat as he spoke.
"But he trains out in the caves and just left. There's no way he got there already, as fast as he is." Lucy said, sighing. 'He doesn't make rain."
The mood in the guild was subdued at best. The weather in and of itself served to push down high spirits, and time seemed to crawl at a snail's pace. Even the occasional argument wasn't enough to ease the sheer boredom permeating the hall. Only such tn things as the expected bout between Gray and Natsu while Juvia watched in awe, or Elfman reprimanding Jet and Droy for screwing up their most recent job and endangering Levy, were able to bring any semblance of the ruckus that would normally have ensued.
Wendy was still missing, Mira and Elfman had just left, and Toshiro had been mad enough to try and train in this weather, but only few were actually concerned for the last of these individuals. Wendy was a different story, her absence only allowing worry t reach the unbelievably bored mages.
As light enveloped their vision, all seemed to freeze. To any who were still awake, everything had just as quickly become nothing, just like a messed up dream.
AN
And I'm back in action!
Just going to point out right now, this is NOT going to become a story in which the entire Bleach cast invades and all that. The only bleach characters coming in are Toshiro, Ichigo, and Rangiku. The rest of them are AU versions of themselves and are only mentioned. And the two newcomers are going to find that searching through a whole dimension for a midget snowman is harder than they thought it would be.
For timeline sake, as of the last line in this chapter, Ichigo and Rangiku are already in the new dimension, and have been for a week. It's been a about a month and a half since the theory was put out.
Hope you enjoyed!
-jenumire
